Hi, I am a first time hobby glass etcher trying to make some custom mugs as a gift for Christmas. I have bought this cream. I think that perhaps I have bitten off more than I can chew. I want to use Old English lettering on my glasses, but the letter stencils I have found are way too expensive and only contain one of each letter. So I decided to try to cut my own.
I bought Armour blank “Over and Over” self stick stencil vinyl, but I haven’t had much success. It may be the intricacy, and small size of my font, but I just can’t get it to cut easily. I have tried many times to make it work, using transfer paper to print the font on to the vinyl, I tried putting the stencil into my printer, but the ink wouldn’t stick.
I also bought printer paper that is designed to make labels because it is sticky and the vinyl is really thin which I thought would be easier to cut. It hasn’t worked well. I have a sharp exacto knife, and I even bought one that swivels which is supposed to make it easier to cut rounded edges.
I am tenacious, but it’s still not working! Do you have any advice for someone trying to make intricate stencils, yet who lacks experience? Anything you could recommend would be much appreciated. Thanks! Alison
Hi, I am a first time hobby glass etcher trying to make some My Response that may be helpful to someone:
Hi Alison,
Yes, for extremely intricate designs like this, I usually use my sign cutter or a photoresist stencil process.
Are you cutting the stencil out after you place it on the glass? If not, that is the best way.
I usually place the stencil sheet on the glass with a squeegee. Then sketch the design on the stencil. I actually use tracing and graphite paper to mark the links.
Then cut it out with the exacto knife.
I hope that helps. Some people will cut it out first and then lay it on the glass which is a lot harder.
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I print my patterns right on the vinyl from my computer, I then spray it with a clear poly once it dries I put it on my glass and cut it out, it works great as long as the pattern isn’t wider than 8 inches.
Thanks for the comment Elsie. That’s a good idea.
I know there are some vinyl manufacturers that make vinyl for this. The ink sticks to the vinyl better. What type do you use anyway?
I use “resist” I order it online from Glass Crafters: http://www.glasscrafters.biz
Thanks Elsie!
I have to agree a vinyl sign cutter is the best way to make stencils, but starting out there are other methods. If you are wanting to etch lettering on drinking glasses trace your letters or type them out on a piece of paper to the size to are wanting to etch. Tape it on the inside of the glass in the position you want. Purchase clear self paper with an adhesive back. It comes in rolls for around $5. Cut a square of shelf paper big enough to wrap half way around the outside of the glass. Be sure to keep it wrinkle free. Use two layers so you don’t blow out the stencil.
You can then trace the lettering on the shelf paper and cut it out using an Xacto knife or use a stencil cutter which is like a wood burning tool, or a cheap soldering iron. The stencil cutters come with several tips some
are pointed and have a bend so it is easy to handle and do fine detailed work. Cut the letters out and etch or carve. Hold your gun a min. of 3″ away from the surface and blast away.
For a large inventory of free fonts go to www. Fontfreak.com
I’ve been etching glass couple years now & I draw my design on white contact paper, place on glass then cut with echo knife. I’m sure there is probably a better and easier way but I’m unemployed so I can’t afford to purchase sign or label printers. Hope this will help. GOOD LUCK